Seagrass’ strong potential for curbing erosion

A new study shows how seagrass can help to protect shorelines against erosion and help to mitigate damage from rising sea level, potentially providing useful guidance for seagrass restoration efforts.

El Niño and our beaches; By Gary Griggs

Our beaches come and go seasonally in response to changing wave conditions. The larger and more energetic winter waves stir up the beach sand and carry it offshore, eroding the shoreline back. Six months or so later, the smaller and less energetic spring and summer waves gradually move that sand back onshore, building the beach just in time for all the summer visitors.

Shore fix in Cane unlikely to last, experts say, BVI

About a month ago, excavations began along the beach in the north end of Cane Garden Bay as part of a government project designed to protect a shoreline that slips further into the sea with each heavy swell. But two United States experts said that the method being used — stone-filled wire cages known as gabion baskets — probably won’t last long.

Tree recycling program to help Island beaches

Recycling doesn’t have to be a beach, but in this case, it’s going to protect one. The City of Harlingen is requesting residents dispose of their Christmas trees, where they will be deployed along the dunes to prevent erosion of beach sand.

After a Long Boom, an Uncertain Future for Big Dam Projects

The rise of wind and solar power, coupled with the increasing social, environmental and financial costs of hydropower projects, could spell the end of an era of big dams. But even anti-dam activists say it’s too early to declare the demise of large-scale hydro.